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Triaminic Vapor Patch

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The Triaminic Vapor Patch is a cough suppressant patch placed on a child's throat or chest. It was specifically marketed for children two years of age or older, and because of this the patch came in two scents: cherry and menthol. Unfortunately, the scented patch proved dangerously tempting for some children.

Reports surfaced of children removing the patch and placing it in their mouths. One report of a child chewing on a patch and suffering a seizure eventually prompted the manufacturer, Novartis, to recall the Triaminic Vapor Patch in June 2006. While around 50 million patches were sold between 2000 and 2006, they are no longer available for sale in the United States.

Recall of the Triaminic Vapor Patch

The Triaminic Vapor Patch contains camphor and eucalyptus oil. These ingredients can cause significant side effects when swallowed, such as a burning feeling in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, headache, breathing problems, drowsiness, and dizziness. More serious health problems can follow. Some people who ingest these ingredients may suffer seizures, low blood pressure, and an erratic heartbeat. Both camphor and eucalyptus oil are considered unsafe for children.

The Triaminic Vapor Patch was recalled after one particular incident in Canada. Doctors reported a case where a two-year-old child removed the patch and began chewing it. The child suffered a brief seizure, and chewing on the patch was determined to be directly responsible. This incident prompted Canadian health officials to issue a health alert in May 2006. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) followed suit with a similar advisory in June 2006, and Novartis issued its voluntary recall at the same time.

Liability for Triaminic Vapor Patch Injuries

While all medications have certain side effects, drug manufacturers have a duty to make their products as reasonably safe as possible. Manufacturers are also required to inform doctors and patients of known risks associated with their drugs. If a manufacturer fails to uphold these duties, it can be held legally responsible for patient injuries that result under a legal theory called product liability.

Patients who are injured after using a drug or medical device like the Triaminic Vapor Patch can potentially recover compensation for their injuries. A product liability lawsuit can hold manufacturers accountable for defectively designed drugs, defectively manufactured drugs, defective warnings that make a drug unsafe for patients, fraud or misrepresentation, and breaches of warranties that result in patient injuries.

Getting Legal Help

If you or a loved one has experienced any serious complications while using the Triaminic Vapor Patch, you should first contact your doctor or other healthcare professional. It may also be in your best interests to meet with an experienced attorney to discuss your options and protect your right to compensation. Depending on the circumstances of the injury, you or a loved one may have a product liability or medical malpractice claim against the manufacturer or your doctor.

Go here to learn more about an attorney's role in a pharmaceutical liability case.

To find an experienced attorney, use the "Find a Lawyer" tool on this page, or click here.

Next Steps

Contact a qualified product liability attorney to make sure your rights are protected.